The Problem We're Addressing
Despite increased awareness of neurodevelopmental conditions, a significant gap exists between awareness and action in Malaysia.
Low OKU Registration Rates
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) 2025 report, only 777,494 individuals, or 2.16% of Malaysia's population, were registered as OKU. This alarmingly low figure highlights a profound systemic failure in current registration outreach.
This Malaysia registration rate starkly contrasts with global estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), which indicates that approximately 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, experience some kind of disabilities.
In Malaysia, the learning disability category recorded the highest OKU registration figure at 307,678, which accounts for merely 0.85% of the entire population of 36 million, starkly contrasting with estimates suggesting that 15%, or 5.4 million individuals, should exhibit some form of disability.
Barriers to Registration
Stigma and Misconceptions
Many eligible individuals and their parents do not take the necessary steps to register as OKU — often due to stigma, misconceptions, or negative connotations attached to the label. There's a widespread belief that having an OKU status might lead to discrimination or limit opportunities.
Parental Mindset
A significant contributing factor is parental mindset, which includes non-acceptance (manifested as denial of the condition's presence), skepticism towards the legitimacy of neurodevelopmental differences, or the dismissive belief that their child's condition is not sufficiently severe to warrant formal recognition.
Process Misconceptions
Many assume that the registration process is financially burdensome, excessively time-consuming, or unnecessarily complex. These perceptions create significant barriers to taking action, even when individuals might benefit greatly from OKU registration.
Lack of Visibility
Others simply assume that neurodivergent individuals do not qualify to be registered as OKU because they do not fit the stereotype of someone with a visible disability. This gap between awareness and action also arises because many in society fail to recognize that neurodivergent individuals are prevalent — among family, colleagues, students, and friends.
Feedback from Parents
Feedback gathered from parents of neurodivergent children through a survey further affirmed the need for a dedicated support system. Parents expressed strong support for the initiative, with their responses revealing critical underlying issues and gaps within existing support frameworks:
- Deficiencies in outreach and collaboration among government agencies such as the Ministry of Education (KPM) and the Department of National Registration (JPN), which contribute to persistent parental reluctance towards crucial early childhood screenings and formal assessments.
- Absence of a comprehensive digital platform for neurodiversity support from government agencies, prompting parents to suggest the vast potential for collaboration in developing a more diversified and relevant application.
- Pervasive lack of awareness of the extensive support that could otherwise enhance the quality of life for neurodivergent individuals and their families, underscoring the critical need for initiatives that can centralize and proactively disseminate vital information.
The Gap We're Addressing
Despite high awareness of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD, registration rates remain critically low in Malaysia.
2.16%
Only 2.16% of Malaysia's population is registered as OKU
16%
WHO estimates that 16% of the world's population experiences disabilities
30%
Approximately 3 in 10 people may exhibit some form of neurodivergent traits
0.85%
Only 0.85% of Malaysians are registered with learning disabilities
The Impact Gap
These statistics reveal a vast disparity between those who could benefit from OKU registration and those who actually register. This gap represents millions of Malaysians who could be receiving support but aren't - often due to stigma, lack of awareness about eligibility, or misconceptions about the registration process.